Turkey chilli is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for those cold winter days. Made with ground turkey mixed with onion, garlic, tomatoes, and spices, this chilli is sure to warm you up from the inside out.
Here’s a recipe for turkey chilli that you can use as a starting point. If you want to make it even more hearty, add some additional ingredients like ground beef or beans. And if you’re going to jazz it up a bit, try adding different types of spices like cumin or chilli powder. Enjoy!
You can also see Recipe of Chickpea “Meatballs” and Gnocchi Bake
What is Turkey Chili?
Turkey chilli is a hearty, family-friendly dish perfect for cold winter nights. This recipe is basic and simple to follow, leaving you feeling satisfied and warm.
Recipe of Turkey Chili
Sure! Here’s a recipe for Turkey Chili:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and jalapeno pepper (if using). Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground turkey to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir the spice mixture into the pot and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir everything together.
- Bring the chili to a simmer and let it cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a spicier chili, you can add more chili powder or cayenne pepper.
- Serve the turkey chili hot, garnished with your choice of toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and cilantro.
Enjoy your delicious turkey chili!
Tips for Making the Best Turkey Chili
1. Use a turkey carcass that is bone-in, skin-on, and preferably frozen. Thaw the carcass before using it in this chilli recipe.
2. Start by browning the turkey carcass in an enormous pot or Dutch stove over medium-high intensity until it is well cooked.
3. Add the onions, garlic, and spices and cook until the onions are translucent.
4. Next, add the tomatoes and tomato sauce and boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes or until thickened.
5. Finally, add the kidney beans and black beans and simmer for another 10 minutes or until heated. Serve warm with toppings of your choice!
Advantages of Turkey Chili
Certainly! Here are some advantages of turkey chili:
- Healthier option: Turkey chili is generally considered a healthier alternative to traditional beef chili. Turkey is leaner and lower in fat compared to beef, making it a healthier protein choice. It can be a good source of lean protein while reducing the overall calorie and saturated fat content of the dish.
- Lower cholesterol: Turkey chili can be beneficial for individuals concerned about their cholesterol levels. Turkey meat is naturally lower in cholesterol compared to beef, making it a heart-healthy choice.
- Nutrient-rich: Turkey is a good source of essential nutrients such as vitamins B6 and B12, zinc, and selenium. These nutrients play important roles in maintaining overall health, supporting immune function, and promoting energy production.
- Versatile flavours: Turkey chili is incredibly versatile, allowing you to experiment with different flavours and spices. You can customize the ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste preferences, making it a flexible dish that can be adapted to various dietary needs and preferences.
- High in fibre: Chili typically contains beans, which are a great source of dietary fibre. Fibre is important for digestive health, helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness, which can aid in weight management.
- Weight management: Due to its lower fat content and higher protein and fibre content, turkey chili can be a satisfying and filling meal that helps keep you full for longer. This can be beneficial for individuals looking to manage their weight or control their calorie intake.
- Easy to make: Turkey chili is relatively easy to prepare and can be made in a slow cooker, stovetop, or Instant Pot. It requires simple ingredients and can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it a convenient option for meal prepping or busy weeknights.
- Flavorful and comforting: Turkey chili offers a delicious and comforting meal option. It is often packed with flavorful ingredients such as onions, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and various spices, resulting in a savoury and satisfying dish.
Overall, turkey chili provides a healthier and more nutritious alternative to traditional beef chili while offering a wide range of flavours and customization options. It can be a tasty and wholesome meal choice for individuals seeking a balanced and satisfying dish.
Disadvantages of Turkey Chili
While turkey chili has several advantages, there are also a few potential disadvantages to consider:
- Taste and texture: Some people may find that turkey chili lacks the richness and depth of flavour that beef chili offers. Turkey meat has a milder taste compared to beef, and its texture can be slightly different. Some individuals may prefer the heartier taste and texture of beef in their chili.
- Dryness: Turkey meat is leaner than beef, which means it has less fat. This can result in drier chili if not properly cooked or if the meat is overcooked. Care must be taken to prevent the chili from becoming too dry and lacking moisture. Adding additional ingredients like diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, or broth can help mitigate this issue.
- Seasoning adjustments: Turkey meat has a more delicate flavor compared to beef, which may require adjustments to the seasoning and spices used in the chili recipe. More seasoning or bolder flavours may be needed to enhance the taste of turkey chili and prevent it from being bland.
- Availability: Depending on your location, finding ground turkey may be more challenging compared to ground beef. While it is becoming increasingly popular, ground turkey may not be as readily available in all grocery stores or markets.
- Allergies or sensitivities: Turkey is a poultry product, and some individuals may have allergies or sensitivities to poultry meat. It is important to be aware of any potential allergies or dietary restrictions before preparing or consuming turkey chili.
- Cost: In some cases, ground turkey may be more expensive compared to ground beef, depending on your location and market prices. This can affect the overall cost of preparing turkey chili, especially if you are cooking for a larger group or on a tight budget.
It’s important to note that the perceived disadvantages may vary depending on personal preferences, dietary needs, and individual circumstances. It’s always a good idea to consider these factors and adapt recipes to suit your tastes and requirements.
